NFL Off-Season Trade Frenzy
Lions traded RB David Montgomery and a 7th-round pick to the Texans for C Juice Scruggs and a 4th-rounder. Texans also sent OT Tytus Howard to the Browns for a 5th, while Chiefs released OT Jawaan Taylor and Bengals re-signed G Dalton Risner to a 1-year deal. Fantasy impacts include boosts for Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit and Mason Crosby in Green Bay.
The Kansas City Chiefs' release of offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor was a financially driven decision, creating $20 million in salary cap space. Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract in 2023, was set to have a $27.4 million cap hit in 2026. His tenure in Kansas City was marred by penalties, leading the NFL with 24 in his first season and continuing to struggle with infractions throughout his time with the team. In a move to address their offensive line, the Cleveland Browns acquired Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans for a fifth-round pick and promptly signed him to a three-year, $63 million extension. The Browns' offensive line was a significant area of weakness in 2025, ranking among the worst in the league in pressure rate allowed. Howard, who has experience at both tackle and guard, did not allow a sack in 2025. The Houston Texans' decision to trade Howard signals a continued overhaul of their offensive line as they look to better protect quarterback C.J. Stroud and improve a rushing attack that faltered in 2025. For the Lions, acquiring center Juice Scruggs on his rookie four-year, $6.1 million deal provides a cost-controlled option on their offensive line. Scruggs was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cincinnati's re-signing of guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million provides stability to their offensive line. The contract includes a base value of $3.25 million with incentives that could increase its total worth. This move leaves the Bengals with significant salary cap space heading into free agency. The departure of David Montgomery from Detroit significantly elevates Jahmyr Gibbs' fantasy football value, positioning him as a potential top overall pick. In games Montgomery missed previously, Gibbs has seen a dramatic increase in his usage and fantasy production. Montgomery, who joins the Texans, is expected to take on the role of the primary early-down and goal-line back. The notion of a fantasy boost for Mason Crosby in Green Bay is unfounded, as the longtime Packers kicker announced his retirement in February 2025. The Packers have struggled to find a consistent kicker since his departure, with Brandon McManus having an inconsistent 2025 season, including missing key kicks in the playoffs. The team currently has Lucas Havrisik on the roster as another option.
